Starling Castillio Gains Experience in Hard-Fought Win Over Juan Carlos Burgos
At the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we have a match of young fighter versus grizzled old warrior as Dominican prospect Starling “El Poli” Castillo takes on veteran Juan Carlos “Miniburgos” Burgos in a ten-round lightweight contest.
Castillo is an intriguing prospect. He is a long and athletic southpaw with a reputation as a guy who can both box and punch. The 25-year-old from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is regarded as one of the better prospects from that country.
He faces a Burgos who has been in there with damn near everyone. The former multiple-time world title challenger is the definition of a rugged warrior.
YOUTH AND ENERGY
Castillo (16-0, 12 KOs) is the taller, larger fighter who carries more power. He tried to use those natural advantages in height and reach to keep Burgos (34-6-2, 21 KOs) at the end of his shots. The veteran has seen it all during his eighteen years as a pro. Though getting outpunched, the 33-year-old was able to get inside and catch the younger man with left hooks and right-hand counter punches.
One of the things that makes Castillo an intriguing prospect is his flexibility and fluidity for such a tall fighter. As the pace started to show during the middle rounds, you could see that beginning to surface from the southpaw. He did a better job of keeping Burgos at a distance. When Burgos charged, Castillo adjusted by stepping around and landing with the straight left-hand and left uppercut.
COMPETITIVE TO THE END
Burgos’ focus was attempting to slow him down with body punches. Castillo was throwing and landing more shots. However, he was being pressured and forced to work hard. The final rounds turned into all-out warfare as both men put on a hard-fought effort.
Ultimately Castillo’s activity, youth, and outright vigor separated him as he won by unanimous decision (96-94, 97-93, 98-92). He should gain valuable experience from this fight. It should serve him well and make him a better fighter as he moves forward in his career.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
